How is Gandusha different from oil pulling, and what are its real benefits? - #12718

Gandusha is a more intensive Ayurvedic oral therapy compared to oil pulling. While both involve holding liquids in the mouth, Gandusha differs in that it typically uses medicinal decoctions or herbal oils and involves holding them in the mouth for a longer time, usually around 5–10 minutes. This extended duration can allow for deeper detoxification and absorption of the healing properties of the herbs.

Benefits: Oral Health: Gandusha can help with issues like gum disease, bad breath, cavities, and gum bleeding by promoting blood circulation and strengthening the gums. Detoxification & Digestion: Beyond oral health, Gandusha is thought to help detoxify the body by stimulating the lymphatic system and aiding in digestion by balancing doshas. Best Herbs/Oils for Gum Sensitivity: Sesame oil is commonly used for general oral health. Amla, Neem, or Tulsi (Holy Basil) decoctions are excellent for gum issues like sensitivity or bleeding due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Frequency: It’s safe to practice Gandusha daily, especially if you’re targeting gum sensitivity, but starting with 3-4 times a week may be beneficial. Overdoing it daily at the start might feel intense for some.

So you’re curious about Gandusha vs. oil pulling, huh? I feel ya—these practices can definitely get a bit confusing! You’re right that Gandusha and oil pulling aren’t exactly the same, even though they’re both popular Ayurvedic oral hygiene practices.

In Gandusha, you keep a medicinal liquid—could be herbal decoction or oil— in your mouth without moving it around, filling it quite full, and hold it there for a while. Whereas oil pulling, like what you’re doing with coconut oil, involves swishing a small amount around vigorously. It’s this “holding not swishing” that’s key in Gandusha, making it potentially more intense.

Now, what this does is allow the liquid to deeply penetrate the tissues, activating the salivary glands more. This can help strengthen the oral tissues and may really be what you need given your gum sensitivity and bleeding. Gandusha targets different doshas too; sesame oil is usually good for Vata or Kapha imbalances, and can be suitable for gum problems. Depending on your constitution, you might consider using medicated oils such as Triphala or Yashtimadhu (licorice) decoctions which are often recommended for oral health.

And yes, besides oral health, this practice has broader benefits—it aids in removing toxins, which according to Ayurveda, can positively impact your Agni (digestive fire) and overall health. Through regular practice, you might notice improvements in energy, mood, and even clearer skin.

As for how often to do it, daily use is usually safe, but start slowly; maybe go for every other day, you know, just to ease into it. Over time, you might start seeing differences pretty rapidly—say, a few weeks for noticeable changes in your gum health. Don’t worry if at first, you’re like, “Is this doing anything?” Given time, commitments often yield the most meaningful effects!

If you’re a newbie, just be patient and tweak things as you go. Maybe adjust the type of oil or decoction till you find what’s comfortable for you. Hope that helps! Tell us how it goes, would love to hear more about your journey!